As a newbie (and even not) you can really get the most for your credits by utilizing the book bazaar. (The forum a few below this, where people offer deals on their books, such as two books for one credit and stuff like that. Also, if you have a slower moving shelf, offering deals on this forum can help move your books.)

Welcome to you new addiction! LOL Here's a few tips for ya: Use lots of packing tape (not scotch tape) on you packages, especially on the corners; wrap books in plastic before covering, but don't use Press N Seal; the book bazaar forum is great for 2 for 1's and such and to post unpostable books to give away in a deal; the BOx O Books feature is super cool ( check it out under "community"); a variety of genres on your bookshelf definitely keeps the books moving! Hope that helps, and I'm sure other members will have some more stuff to add. Also the Help Center is invaluable for many of your questions. :)

When you receive books in bubble envelopes or in any type of packaging that can be reused, do so! It saves you a lot of time and it's environmentally friendly. Caution, though - do NOT reuse Priority Mail envelopes or boxes. (See the Postal threads). Welcome!

Read the dickens out of the Help Center!!! That and the topic at the top of this forum. Nearly every question can be answered, and most problems avoided by doing those two things!

Welcome to PBS and thank you for taking the time to ask how to be a good member! That means a lot. Some people sign up and just don't care about how things are supposed to work, or how they can do things to be a better member and make their experience here be all it can be! I hope you have great swaps!